Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his important comments.
He alluded to poverty. I do not come from a very wealthy region. Since it is always better to talk about what we know best, I can tell you that, in the communities where these parks are located, 40% to 50% of the workforce has trouble finding work.
Fees will be charged, but there is a downside. I get messages from communities affected by the establishment of national parks, and even provincial parks, to the effect that they would like to be in charge of the development of these infrastructures. For example, there is a provincial park at home that was established 25 years ago, but very few jobs were created.
Local people are telling us they want to improve their financial status, as mentioned by the hon. member, and take on more responsibilities. It would really be in everyone's interest to let these municipalities and villages take on some of the responsibilities, so that they could play a role in the creation of new infrastructures that will bring in more people.
For example, back home, 200,000 people travel to the mouth of the Saguenay River, in the Tadoussac—Baie-Sainte-Catherine area. Only 30% to 35% of them make it to the heart of the Saguenay park. This means the region loses out on a lot of revenue, because of a lack of infrastructures.
For instance, It is indicated that these are conservation areas. However, wildlife and plant life alone will not attract tourists. Some major infrastructures are necessary to make it easier for the tourists. Let us not forget that, economically speaking, seniors are currently the most appealing group of tourists.
In order for these elderly to have safe access to certain sites, certain infrastructures must be built.
I really appreciate the hon. member's question. Indeed, if local people are more involved, I think it will greatly promote job creation and economic development. It will also indirectly allow these people to have access to the new sites that they have helped develop in an intelligent way that takes their views into account.